Timex update – from Get and Forget (2) 2014

This is an excerpt from a 2014 Post (Get and Forget (2) ) where I flagged 2 x Timex watches I considered at that time – and my views have not changed. But with this update I re-look specifically at the T49967 Expedition Alarm Chronograph, basically as it came up for a battery change recently.

(1) Timex T49967 Expedition Alarm Chronograph *(image 2014)*

I also realised just what a good watch this was, so I’ve revamped the Post accordingly in the light of experience.

Originally I liked this model because of it’s Analog-Digital design which still retains a classic analogue look. The case diameter is 43.8mm across, but including the crown and crown protection it’s almost 47mm, so not a small watch by any means, but conversely it doesn’t seem big on the wrist. It’s 13.6mm (depth) but maybe as it’s light weight, it wears smaller than it is, albeit with a definite Timex Expedition look to it.
The dial is deceptively good, matte background and well laid out in black with contrasting broad white luminous half filled analogue Hour and minute hands plus a yellow centre seconds Hand. Overall it has a really neat functional look. I checked the luminous quality last night and it’s OK (not massively bright, but certainly usable) and I could make out the time.

Interestingly this model also has the Timex Indiglo dial illuminator, a system that personally I’ve never taken to. So often the principle of silhouetting the hands against the lit background rarely works unless the hands are solid black. So, the bonus fact this model also has luminous hands is a real plus for me.
The wide fixed bezel is clearly marked in tens and does not rotate, as it’s not a diver’s watch, though it has a 200m Water resistance. It is however, a pretty tough everyday workhorse that’s easy to live with.

Functions include Day, Date, Month, Alarm, Timer, Stopwatch and includes a Digital time display well positioned @6 and larger than most. Additional function buttons are on the wide bezel @6 including chronograph control such as Stop and Split laps etc. The bezel is influenced by the “shock” range and gives good overall protection to the watch and the recessed glass.

It is also a perpetual Calendar model, so once the Calendar is set, forget about short months and so on, it’s all taken care of.

Four pushers on the case are broad and ribbed and are very easy to use. The crown is @3 as usual and extremely well shrouded.

T49967 Silicon/rubber strap with buckle. — (2) Silicon/rubber strap with buckle *(2014)*

The original strap is a substantial affair in green coloured rubber, fitted to standard case/lug/strap bars. I noted when I first got the watch (10 years ago) the rather thick and slightly stiff rubber felt really quite good and was comfortable. However today I find it just too stiff for my small wrists and tightening it to the correct position is actually quite hard to manage. So, I have swapped it for a ‘wrap strap’ which fits better, is instantly and infinitely adjustable (no holes or buckle) and is very much more comfortable and suited to me now. (see image 4).

This model is a rather understated gem in my opinion, as it’s one of those models that manages to get the basics right and the overall “form” is pleasing. The function are unobtrusive, it fits well to the wrist and does everything rather well.

In fact, I was so taken with it (again) that it’s going to be on my wrist for the next month. Changing the battery was easy (CR2016) and as simple as removing the 4 x screw back, unscrew a small battery keeper tag, swapping the battery and doing it up again in reverse. Took about 5 minutes.

(3) T49967 – *image 24th February 2025* after 10 years use.

(4) Strap change to a wrap strap ‘velcro’ close – no buckle and more comfortable for me.

A point to note –

In the digital display by default it shows the time (as the analogue hands), but if you want to show the Day, Date and Month (the calendar) you push the ST button on the lower bezel and the Calendar will flash up for a second. To permanently show the Calendar display rather than the Time display, push and hold the ST button for at least 3 or 4 seconds. This will show the date, day and month then set – then release the button and the Calendar will stay indicated as the default view. So at a glance you now have the analogue hour, minute and seconds hands on the main dial and the digital display will be showing the Calendar. (and you can reverse the sequence as you wish). For other functions you simply push the Mode button and the display (4) cycles through each one as required.

Also when setting the digital display the Calendar can be selected to show either US or UK style (Day, Date and Month) – something I really wish others would emulate.

What would I like to change on this model? – Well, even though not a diver’s watch, the fact they’ve taken the time to have a really well figured bezel and as the watch is rated at a 200m water resistance – it would be nice if the bezel moved.

But having said that – it is still a very tough ‘Get it, Set it & Forget it’ every day practical watch – it’s also unlike most Timex models today and I am very glad to have it.

Note – images – the varying shades of my photographs, depend on the light at the time. The most accurate in this Post are images (1) and (4).

My Junkers 10 years on . . .

A 2025 reprise of my Classic Junkers 6060M-5 Bauhaus.

Time, Date, Power Reserve and 24 hr sub-dial from Junkers.

Bauhaus bridging the gap between art and industry by combining crafts and fine arts, this model absolutely fits the bill for me. The Bauhaus movement began in Germany in 1919 and was a style template for great things in all walks of life and a fusion of the practical and the aesthetic.

Here the concept is displayed in a rather stylish model and it has always attracted me and as I already love the Art Deco look, this suits my idea of what I want to wear. With a Stainless Steel 40 mm diameter case and around 11/12 mm height with a cream coloured elegant dial, under a proprietary domed Hesalite crystal, this looks rather good.

The proportions of this model entirely suits it’s Classic look and it looks great on the wrist. And this is not the first model I’ve had with Hesalite crystal which is actually quite good, glare free and extremely shatterproof, though conversely soft enough to scratch. The upside is that any scratches you do pick up can easily be polished out (if not too deep).

This Junkers Bauhaus version comes with a modified Citizen 9132, 26 Jewel Automatic movement,

Citizen 9132 Automatic with +40 hours reserve

beating at 28,800 vibrations per hour with Date aperture @3 and a decent Power Reserve of over 40 hours. An ultra smooth running centre sweep Seconds hand in black and a 24 hr sub-dial featured @6 with a Date aperture @3, plus a Power Reserve indicator @12. The Date is adjusted by the centre crown and features hacking (the watch stops whilst the crown is out to the second position) so accurate time setting is easy. Dot markers at 3, 6 and 9, are green luminescent, as is the infill area on the small Logo @12. The fine gold coloured stick Hour and Minute hands are also luminous filled. Overall the dial is as Classic as you can get. The modified Citizen movement is a good choice in my opinion and in my experience can be remarkably accurate. Some reports indicate the rotor can be noisy, but this particular movement is no better or worse than my other automatics. This model features an exhibition back through which you can see the silver textured rotor movement and gives that little bit of added interest.

Chunky look accentuated by the Hesalite crystal.

The watch appears to have a close resemblance to the Max Bill series that I also like in that it shares the elegant yet simple dial layout which is uncluttered and practical. The 20 mm strap is slightly thinner than my previous Junkers and is of amazingly good quality, being of a high quality soft leather. Regarding the holes available and my smallish 165 mm wrist, it’s a neat fit on my smallish 165mm diameter wrist.

Wearing the watch –
Super comfortable with this strap and case dimensions (at 40 mm diameter the ideal dimension for this style of watch). The watch being rather chunky can look a little larger than it really is once on the wrist. Due mostly to the height of the case and also owing to the quite thick and rounded Hesalite crystal, easily 2 mm above the case (my wife thought it rather like the icing on top of a cake). Personally I love the Classic Bauhaus look of the watch and pleased it does not have the rather large Shield Logo as some, instead having just the name @9.

Luminosity –
With green luminous paint applied just to the Logo @12 and the dot markers @3, 6 and 9 plus the infill on the very slim hands you would be forgiven thinking the watch was not so good at night. And you could not be more wrong. It was, in fact excellent and I found I could still read the time in darkness some 5 hours later and this was managed without artifice. Watch sitting under my bedside light table while I got ready for bed – perhaps 10 minutes? In other words in a very normal situation. I was very impressed.

Automatic in use –
As an automatic mechanical model the Citizen 9132 is very efficient and takes very little wrist movement to wind it. Basically as soon as you put it on – it starts and unlike some movements, does not require any winding to set it off. I’ve found that once it’s on the wrist the power reserve very quickly indicates it’s fully wound.

Just to go back to the quietness of this movement –
I’m pleased to say that I don’t hear it at all on the wrist and only when pressed against my ear and I also don’t feel the rotor moving in normal wear. The movement itself via the exhibition back actually looks quite refined and not as utilitarian as some.

So any down sides?
None whatsoever – it is a Classic watch, perfectly proportioned and after a few years on my wrist the entire ensemble feels smooth and part of me.

Accuracy report –
As I guessed with the Miyota 9132 movement, it lives and has lived (over the last 10 or 12 years) up to expectations for an alternative to the Swiss ETA 2824 calibres.

In fact the Miyota 9100 series was introduced as a successful and affordable alternative a while ago and as the Swiss maker ETA policy was to cease supplying movements/parts to all and sundry, somebody had to fill the vacuum. As for time keeping this Junkers Miyota movement manages between 3 and 5 seconds (fast) per day and that’s straight out of the box (today some 10 years later it’s settled down to better than 3 secs). Unsure whether Pointec (Junkers Agency) have time adjusted it at all, but I’d say it’s easily as good practically as the old ETA 2824 and certainly in this limited complication.

Can’t help but think ETA made a bit of a misjudgement (even suicidal) with this Policy, as it was inevitable that the Asian/Japanese brands would step up to the plate and produce not only a movement to rival ETA, but at a fraction of the cost. In my view the customer benefits tremendously, certainly on new models. My sympathies go out to pre-owned collectors and existing owners regarding the cost of repair and replacement parts for original ETA movements.

Quote –
Competition is always a good thing. It forces us to do our best. A monopoly renders people complacent and satisfied with mediocrity.

Quote – Nancy Pearcey

And I have to agree 🙂

And this is it today Feb 20th 2025 –

Junkers Classic Auto Bauhaus – *Image taken 20th February 2025 at the time shown*.

As good today as when bought and still one of my favourite watches. A lot cheaper when I bought this one back then and although the model has hardly changed, it will cost a bit more today – around £840 in the UK.

And after 10 or 12 years ownership I reckon even at todays price, it is a bargain and very much worth the money. And note what I said about the auto movement. The power reserve is showing maximum so even at my age I’m moving well enough to have the watch run at peak performance.

When I bought this I thought it might be a little big on my smallish 165mm wrist – but this picture taken today rather disputes that idea. Looks pretty good to me.

And if it’s showing that, it means that I’m not doing too badly either! 😉

Tissot Two and Seiko

After Posting my 1986 (38 years old) dual display 7 jewel quartz Tissot Two Timer (D377) I Post here another one I have. And this is also an original first edition model, before the advent of the altered case lugs and bespoke strap configuration and four screw back plate, but with a similar but different dial layout.

As said in my first Post on the Tissot Two Timer – this model was introduced as a higher quality Swiss alternative to the often variable quality analogue/digital watches coming from Asia.

And as Seiko were one of the major producers of this concept (plus Citizen, Casio and a few lesser brands) I thought I’d manage a quick and brief comparison between my Swiss Tissot and my Seiko H249-5130 model of the same era. Both have very similar functions and date of manufacture just 5 years apart. The Seiko 1981 and the Tissot 1986.

Both models are pleasing to the eye and both have an analogue handed dial plus a single line digital display.

The Tissot Two Timer is a high quality cased model in fine, smooth stainless steel. Sleek dimensions at just 8.5mm depth with a curved top plate and Sapphire crystal and a case width of 27mm and lug to lug of 37mm, with a high quality 22mm wide Tissot leather & stainless buckle strap. As a neat dress watch it is pretty much perfect. (note the plain strap means it’s easily swapped, unlike its later version). The case quality of this particular watch is as new, no scratches, perfect. There are also no buttons or pushers on this model, as it employs a good sized stainless steel crown for all adjustments.

The Seiko case is of an ‘SGP’ or Seiko Gold Plate base metal, un-curved with a flat crystal. It is very thin at just 6.7mm, around 27mm case width and lug to lug of 37mm. On this model the ‘thin’ Gold plating is just holding on with just noticeable (close up) wear showing, but is still pretty good for it’s age of 44 years. The case back is stainless steel. The SGP case finish, whilst it can look good when new, does tend to wear and flake over time. And this one is showing it’s age now (Gilt has a max lifespan of 30 years?) but can’t compare to an un-plated stainless steel case of the Tissot.

Tissot & Seiko compared – note digit separation

The Two Timer features a battery hatch (eventually introduced to Swatch) and is as good now as it was when new. A bonus too that its rubber seal is intact, so it should still be Water Resistant to 3ATM or 30m (slightly better than splash proof, but not full immersion). Certainly good enough for a dress watch. (however, if you buy any pre-owned watch with a battery hatch – check it has the seal before getting it wet!). And note this stainless steel case back does not open.

The Seiko has a stainless steel back, but is a ‘snap’ fit – so I wouldn’t class it as Water Resistant, but will probably manage the odd splash – maybe.

The Tissot employs the single crown system, controlling time settings and all functions both digital and analogue. It is also very smooth and precise. This Tissot single crown system is about as good as it gets and whilst there are no push buttons, the crown does have a push function.

The Seiko has a rather small centre crown on the right and 2 push buttons on the left of the case. They are also in gold tone and both pushers have a slight issue of weakened springs, which was and always has been an issue with early ‘pushers’, though so far both work, albeit a little slowly and sometimes require a few attempts.

The analogue dial displays of both watches are clear to read, though the Tissot has more contrast and digit separation is better and the Tissot dial area and display are slightly larger overall. The Seiko gives up some of the space for the Alarm speaker, though in practice the Tissot has the louder Alarm.

Yet another Two Timer – alternative colour set – with blackened stainless case

There’s no doubt that the Two Timer model has a sleek wrist hugging design and produced with so many face designs, it seems to have a wonderfully fresh look every time I see one. And not many models can boast that versatility apart from maybe Swatch today, which is unsurprising as Tissot was a founder member of Swatch back in the day (and still a member today).

As to design – the Seiko, whilst the latest thing back then with a dial and display combination, somehow looks a little dated now, whereas the Tissot is very much of today. In fact it is difficult to realise the Tissot is 38 years old, basically owing to the overall design, build quality, materials and look plus comfort and functionality are quite a step up from this particular Seiko.

Seiko H249-5130 stainless ‘snap’ fit case back

And the Tissot Two Timer is maybe a bit of an oddity – produced to fill a gap, yet shows it’s superb Swiss heritage so well. The overall design and build quality a testament to Swiss design and watch construction. Also Tissot’s LCD digital display is clearly superior to the Seiko of this period and I know that Seiko, Citizen, Casio, Zeon and other analogue and digital Asian models in those days were not without issues.

However, considering the period, both watches have a raft of functions – such as – Home time, 2nd time or zone, Quartz movement/module, analogue hands and digital displays either linked or viewed separately, indications of Day, Date, Month, running Seconds, a Chronometer, Alarm, AM & PM indication, 12/24 hour selection. Very similar in fact. And in the case of the Tissot, functions are controlled by a single crown, which was quite an advance on what was an Asian digital watch revolution at the time.

My opinion, for what it’s worth, is the Tissot Two Timer is and has always been a bit of an ‘under-the-radar’ model. In fact, I’d say an understated classic, as it stands up so well even today. And I have not come across another Ana/Digi watch of that period with a better timeless look to it.
However, as said at the start, this comparison is perhaps a little skewed, as the Seiko was made in 1981, the Tissot in 1986. And 5 years is a long time in watch development, but regardless of the advancements, the Swiss Tissot Two Timer stands above any comparable Asian models of that time in both design and function.

And of course, model wise there are later Seiko, Casio and Citizen models around that likely better this particular Seiko H249 series, but my conclusion remains.

Just a word on the single crown control –

Ever since the Crown of a watch was introduced back in the early 1880’s, it was a revolution. John Arnold an English watchmaker first thought of some sort of knob to replace key wound watches of the day. Then Breguet took the concept further, allowing the Crown to manage more functions. So, the concept of looking at new ways to expand the Crown’s capability is not new, but with the Tissot Two Timer, the Crown reached new levels yet again. Especially in regards digital function, which is a complication all of it’s own making.
Anyway, whilst it all seems rather complicated – and of course, it is (a bit like an inkjet printer – it prints – but boy! it IS complicated). The trick however, is to manage the “user interface” to make it useable.

But for the watch Crown user, once done a few times – it really isn’t and there is a logic to it.
Generally – with most multifunction digital models, it is a case of selecting the function, either pulling out the crown or pushing a button will cause the digits to flash. Then either using pushers or crown, alter them to suit, then shove the crown or pushers back to the neutral position.
But as with all of them, unless you wear the watch frequently, it’s easy to forget what to do. And in fact, there are many modern digitals today that can get you frustrated.

On this Tissot there is a first and basic procedure that starts it all. And this is whether you’ve got one that’s displaying wrong or you’ve just changed the battery.
First thing to do – is synchronise the analogue and the digital displays.

And if you remember this first bit, then usually you start to remember what you’re doing (basically get things flashing, adjust and so on as above).

So, to synchronise –
And in this order – we first want a blank digital display by simply turning the Crown any way. Once the display is blank (off), pull OUT the Crown – this switches ON the time display. Then turn the Crown (this moves the hands – so you move them to match the digital time). Once the hands and the digits show the same time, simply push IN the Crown again. You are now synchronised!

Now you can set the correct time – With the Crown IN as you’ve just done, turn the Crown again until T1 on the display has a small cursor line below it and a digital time indicates. Pull out the Crown and the hours and minutes flash – and turn it – this time the hands and the digits will move together. (moving the crown slowly moves it minute by minute and FAST motors the hands quickly – like in hour jumps!). Set the correct time approximately, OR if you need to set it to the second, the seconds display will flash for another minute to give you time to set it exactly to the second. Then push in the Crown again.

And that’s the very basic bit , or what I usually remember bit, done!
Personally I don’t set it ‘to the second’ – let’s face it I’m retired! who needs seconds! Roughly to around the minute is fine for me.

And for the rest of the adjustments like Day, Date, Month, blah blah blah – get the instructions out! Then forget it all for the next 4 years or so until the battery pegs out! Then hopefully you might remember the basic bit – (blank display, pull out the Crown and move ”em all at once – yes?) the basic bit! above – then for the rest of it, you might have to find the instructions!

And finally – the best Tissot Two timer instructions I’ve found are here.

Budget Timex Daily watch?

Always nice to have a new Daily Beater – that is a watch you can wear everyday, easy to read, luminous, good size, dependable quality, tough, decent Water Resistance. One that also indicates the Date is always useful. Now, I have had a few daily beaters over the years and I’ve still got them all, because there as easy to slip on as a pair of socks or gloves. They’re one of those every day things you can take for granted.

However, I might have to question this Timex TW5M61004. It has been called a ‘Main Street’ model, perhaps another way of saying Daily Beater, who knows, but this is the model number which is more important to know.
A friend who recently got himself one is actually very pleased with it and he showed it to me and asked my honest opinion.

Always a tricky when that happens, isn’t it?

Well, it’s a Timex Quartz movement, so that should be OK. I do like the size of it at 42mm diameter and it lies flat on the wrist as it’s just 10.5mm thickness. The case is resin with the typical Timex stainless steel 4 x screw back, which has always been dependable. It also manages a 50m Water Resistance and it’ s NOT expensive.

Casio daily beater on the wrist – neat size – looks good.

It comes with a conventional pin buckle coloured silicon strap in red or black – this is the red one and I agree with him, it looks great and for once not too stiff (so many “rubber” straps at too stiff these days). And being attached to conventional spring-bars, it’s easy to change for any strap you wish. So, not a bespoke affair which is a real plus in my book. It’s also a quick release type which is very useful as no tools are required to do a swap. So, for this strap, I have to give it a +100% rating – as it is very well made, flexible and very comfortable indeed. In fact, I’d go as far to say it’s one of the most comfortable straps I’ve worn from Timex.

So far it’s all good.

Now, while this model looks like a ‘diver’ model, it isn’t – and Casio do not describe it as such. But it does ‘look’ like one and is pleasing to look at. Mildly male orientated I suppose with the dial, hands and numerals design, though of course the distinctive bezel does NOT turn.

Some might say this is terrible, but it isn’t a diver, so it’s not – in fact there are more customers of ‘diver’ watches who don’t swim or even to go near water, so hardly divers? So, most buyers won’t bother and if nothing else it looks good and maybe quite handy for a ‘quick glance’ time check for 10 or 20 minutes.

The large diver style hour and minute hands are OK and there is also a centre seconds hand, which is always handy to have. But and maybe this is my first ‘but’.
The seconds hand is grey coloured which I find at certain angles not that easy to see, even though there is a seconds ‘spot’ at the sharp end. To me, if you have a centre sweep seconds hand then I want to see it clearly, otherwise what’s the point.
The main hands and the numerals are according to the spec – luminous – and they are, but only just and certainly not really what I would consider luminous.
These are too faint and just maybe if you’ve got your glasses on in the dark, then hopefully you might see them. For me – simply not good enough.

Ah! I hear you say – Casio has Indiglo – to which I say – exactly!

I mention this because Timex have also incorporated their “Indiglo” night light system in this model – though for me this is a system that has never won me over.

It basically allows you to push in the crown and the entire dial lights up in a sort of blue/green glow and the hands and numerals are then backlit, appearing as a dark silhouette idea. Now, I have always found that the glow is often so bright, it sometimes swamps out the silhouetted numerals. So, this is not my favourite system – I would much prefer really good luminous hands/numerals etc. every time. And OK and apologies to my friend, but you asked – and that IS my opinion.

The rest of the watch ensemble is pretty well made, the resin case is tough, the large crown easy to use to quickly set the hands and so on.

However, another small niggle is the Date, which is indicated in a small window @4 – which in this instance could definitely be bigger, as the window recess is too deep and casts a shadow and not that easy to read. And double digit dates without a 1, can appear crowded, so really not that easy to read at a glance. If the window was a fraction larger and the date wheel closer to the dial, then it would be much better.
I would also note the date transition period (when it changes over at midnight) is one of those long ones, so for maybe 30/40 minutes the window is in-between dates – and with this small heavily recessed date window – VERY tricky to make out.

A nice point I noted was that between the lug bars, where the strap fits, there is a notch cut into the case, which allows the strap to sit snug against the case, without the case curvature getting in the way. This is a neat idea rarely seen and it’s a good idea.

As said this watch is Quartz and powered by the easily sourced CR2016 battery, so should be good for around 5 years or so.

In summary then I would have to say – I quite like it as a basic Timex which is OK and is not going to break the bank. And yes, it’s probably perfectly fine as a daily beater, though I would prefer also as a nightly beater with better luminous hands/numerals etc.

But on the other hand it IS an extraordinarily comfortable watch on the wrist and my personal gripes probably won’t bother my friend in the slightest or another wearer, unless a picky old guy like me.

It is what it is – and so am I! After all he did ask!

A clear winner?

Checking out digital watches over the last few weeks, it is very noticeable that so many of them are over-complicated. Displays (some not very good) that are really cluttered with so much information they are difficult even to read. Certainly not at a glance, which is how I’ve always checked a watch and usually because at that moment I simply want to know the time.

This got me thinking. Amongst all these offerings, could I find one that clearly and simply, could show me the basics – and at a glance.

SNE 1206S Ultra Thin Digital watch – and it’s very excellent display.

First I decided what I wanted from the watch. What are my personal requirements?

Well, the first and foremost one for me is simple – CLARITY. I want to be able to read the damned time – without too many display distractions.

So, my requirements –
1) – It has to be easy to read the time.
2) – The display needs good contrast, be uncluttered and show me the basics clearly – Hours, Minutes, Seconds, plus the Day and the Date.
3) – I would like to be able to read the time in the dark.
4) – An alarm would be useful.
5) – It has to be easy to operate (without referral to instructions).
6) – Good quality construction, sensible sized case (without the ‘macho’ so-called ‘military’ silliness), plus a conventional strap (not a bespoke affair or a bracelet).

(Note – with a conventional strap & pin buckle, it’s easy to sit the watch up on a bedside cabinet as an alarm clock – see image)

Armed with my list I started my trawl of digital watches – and there are literally many, many hundreds. First I start eliminating the expensive ones, the over-complicated, cluttered displays and those with model specific straps and of course the poorly made ones.

Changed look with a quick/fit soft silicon colour strap.

After all that, I finally, finally came up with this one – the SNE 1206S Ultra Thin Digital Watch

It is Chinese, as many, many of the cheaper digitals are, but this one meets my requirements pretty well.

The Brand is SNE, though there are so many ‘brands’ in China, it could be a one man band, a family or a small assembly house, who knows? I suspect this is from a small outfit, who buy-in bulk parts, importing where necessary, case locally and then export the assembled product. Using Amazon you can supply the world! This particular model was in an Olazone box with Panda logo, as the watch back (I’ve also seen a ladies white cased version). And there are other sellers marketing this watch or similar with slight differences such as display data, so there should be one to suit almost anyone!

4 x screw stainless back plate & 5atm Water Resistance

On this model, the case is PU resin, well made with a 4 screw stainless back plate, claims 5atm Water Resistance, though personally I would use this for everyday use, splashes and so on. Which is OK for me. The case is 43mm diameter and as advertised, Ultra Thin. It measures just 9.5mm. And being so flat on the wrist it looks good on smaller wrists. This model is also extremely light at just 36gms.

The thin flexible PU strap is OK, if a little bland and fits to the case with conventional spring bars. This means ease of changing to most watch straps of your choice if needed. (Note – not the first time I’ve said this, but many models have hard resin fitted or bespoke straps and difficult to replace, if at all – so, here’s my alternative in orange – certainly changes the look and it took me 43 seconds!)

A hard (probably imported) scratch proof acrylic crystal allows full view of the excellent and clear module display.

I particularly like the ease of reading, what I consider ‘at a glance’ – the main display of Hours, Minutes, running seconds. Plus the Day and the Date.

Excellent EL back light – for low light/darkness.

Having retired many years ago and no longer working, I never know what Day it is, or for that matter, the Date. Simply as their relevance is of no real importance anymore. (retired folks may well understand what I’m saying).
So, having both those displayed clearly is ideal for me. And conversely, I don’t need the watch to indicate the month or the year, because for some reason I never seem to forget these! And if I didn’t know them, well, I’ve got other issues!

So this uncluttered and excellent high contrast display, shows just what I want or need. Very clear and the EL back light for low light/dark use, is exceptional.

The watch is quartz powered of course and the battery required is the relatively large and easily sourced CR2016.

The functions are pared down basically to what is useful to me –

Mode pusher (B) – lower left – each press selects each display in rotation –

1) – Main Time, Day and Date display, with large Hour and Minute digits with running Seconds.
2) – Alarm – with snooze and hourly chime (selectable).
3) – Stop Watch – with split time (upper (D) pusher for start/stop and lower right (C) pusher for reset)
4) – Settings – adjusts with upper right pusher(D) and lower pusher (C) selects each item in turn.
Note – for the EL back light – press upper left (A) pusher. To instantly alternate 24hr/12hr time, press upper right pusher (D) when in Main display mode. Super simple.

Note that I haven’t mentioned setting the year and that’s because you don’t. The internal module is Auto Calendar. Once you set the Day and the Month, the module does the rest. These are usually programmed until 2099, so no worries on that score.

Another plus for me is, the watch and pushers are quite discreet, with no clutter on or around the dial. If you want to liven it up, the best way is to change the 22mm strap for a coloured one (as shown above in a soft orange silicon).

However, the real clincher is the price – this one just £17.99 with free postage from China and two weeks to arrive. Some of the variations of these models can cost even less, so it’s well worth checking them out and if you are into watches, then this both fun and cheap! However, this time my clear winner is the SNE as above.

Another model worth looking at – The GoldenHour GH1313 with alloy case and different data display module.
This is slightly heavier at 59gms, but still a light watch. It has a different module and displays Time (Hrs, Mins, running Secs) plus Day, Date and Month (note the month precedes the date – not UK style and cannot be altered).

This display type is also quite clear, though in low light it can’t match the SNE watch above. However it also has an EL back light which is excellent, so not an issue. The pushers positions on this model are identified on the dial circumference, but I note it also has hour and minute indices which are irrelevant, as this is not an analogue watch with hands!
Perhaps the information ring is used with other non digital models in their range? Who knows.

GH and SNE digital models with colour straps – look good.

I fitted a quick release orange strap just to see how it looks – the original came with a very thin, green coloured flexible PU strap, but of course easy to swap around.
Once again this is a rather well put together digital model at a very low cost – worth a look (Amazon UK).

Colour straps can really liven up the often dark Digital models.

I’m very encouraged after trawling through so many cheaper Digitals, not expecting to find really decent watches. So, something of a surprise that there are a few that appear to get the basics right. This won’t be the last time I have a look at what’s on offer – and it’s fun!

A growing number of extreme low cost Digital models have been appearing over the last year or so. These models are challenging the better known Brands, such as Casio, Citizen and Timex. I’m unsure if these are genuine ‘Brands’ or Pseudo brands, as they seem to appear almost weekly in different guises and obviously utilise a variety of digital modules. Many offer the same features, or the same or similar case and all are very cheap.

‘Hanposh’ or ‘Lenqin’ Digital model – same case, slightly changed module/dial configuration.

For example – This is a very similar model marketed by ‘Hanposh’ with yet another name on the dial ‘Lenqin‘ and a slightly different module (shows the Month) and I recall it was even cheaper!

Buyer beware – So, whilst it all sounds great for the buyer, I’d caution that these products are basically just assemblies. They don’t appear to actually be watch Producers as we’d know them, so no real factory Quality Control and possibly no meaningful Warranties. Also many of the descriptions (especially on Amazon) can be incorrect, such as dimensions, features and functions (as if even they get mixed up with the parts they assembled). And true Water Resistance (note – the term “water-proof” in regards to watches is never used) claims can be dubious to say the least. So as this paragraph title says – Buyer beware!

However, that said, I have two different models from different named suppliers and so far, they are both working as they should – but that’s the thing in this digital game, you’re either lucky or you ain’t.

But for me this time – this one is a winner.

My SkyHawk 10 year re-Post

I decided since the last time I Posted on my old Citizen SkyHawk, that I’d re-Post it every 10 years and today is the day. I promised to do this with it’s predecessor, but at the time needed the money for a medical operation and stupidly and made the short sighted decision to sell it along with 25 other watches. Well, the operation over, I had some cash left over and immediately replaced the old Hawk with it’s replacement at the time – 10 years ago.

I make no apologies for re-Posting it – And as for you younger folks who don’t know this watch – it was and is a masterpiece of dial design and a Classic of it’s time. It is for me, one of the most timeless (silly pun, I know) strap it on and forget about it, classic Citizens then or now.

The re-Post – from 2013/14

Skyhawk JY0005-50E at 45 mm diameter fits well with silicon strap.This is my Citizen JY0005-50E Skyhawk A-T Radio Controlled Eco-Drive, which reminds me so much of my older model, AND which has been updated for today with RC and Eco-Drive. Really pleased with it because in my opinion this is a Classic Citizen model of it’s and probably my generation.

Citizen Skyhawk - home at last. — Citizen Skyhawk – home at last. Note the down curving slide rule bezels.

That amazing concept of a digital multi displays coupled with a busy, yet unaccountably readable dial analog dial layout is still a winner and I include a few images here to show it off.
This is a model that will go into my “milestones” display box and will definitely not be sold on, unlike the last time. It seems to me to be about as far along this route that Citizen can go without changing the case and tinkering with the dial layout, though not by much I hasten to add, such as the Attesa model, which I know, silly me – I also sold on . . . ;-(
But occasionally I make the wrong decision and part with the odd watch for all sorts of valid reasons at the time – much to my regret.

But to this model – there is no doubt that it is a very nicely made piece of kit with lots going for it, such as the anti-reflection coated domed crystal and the clever configuration of the entire dial, which is a masterpiece in it’s own right. There’s no question in my mind that they got this right and right at the start too.Another thing I should mention is that I managed to get this at £100 off retail. The funny thing was and this is actual fact, the price dropped just after my last Post and as this was both the best price I’d seen and the last one the Dealer had in stock, it was a no brainer for me. Straight on to the web site and that was it!

And very happy I did too and as you see I got myself a lot of watch for the money.

Skyhawk JY0005-50E - Original steel bracelet changed for Silicon deployment - means 196gms to 110gms. — Skyhawk JY0005-50E – Original steel bracelet changed for Silicon deployment – means 196gms reduced to 110gms!

I didn’t in the end buy the Titanium one, which would normally be my preference, purely on weight grounds. However I solved this minor issue by removing the very heavy steel IP coated bracelet, which believe it or not accounted for 110gms of the total weight of 196gms, or heavier than the watch itself. Fitting a silicon deployment strap made good sense and the resultant all up weight is now just 110gms, which is actually 10gms lighter than the Red Arrows Titanium JY0110-55E version of this watch, so I’m very pleased with that. (update 2024 – I also have a silicon pin/buckle strap from ‘Cobee’ which is 16gms lighter and a Solo Loop Nylon strap for ‘YCHDDER’ which weighs next to nothing!)

The watch with it’s U600 movement, is of course a delight to use, easy to set and once on auto in regards Radio Control is a forget watch. Get yourself a Radio signal at 2am, 3am or 4am and the time is corrected as good as you’ll get. Summer/Winter times are automatically accounted for in settings (Auto) and to change Home time for Destination Time if traveling is simple to do. Crown out to Position 1, turn to select city shown in the digital display 1 on the right, press buttons A and B simultaneously and the new time jumps to display 2 on the left and the old Home time moves to the 1st display on the right, push in Crown – job done! Once on the way home just do the same again, but this time simply pull out Crown to Position 1, press A and B together, Cities move over, push Crown in – job done. So a very easy to use World Time traveller.

Classic Citizen Skyhawk - note the domed crystal and bezel — Classic Citizen Skyhawk – note the domed crystal and bezel

With the Citizen penchant and expertise for displaying data, the Charge Indicator @10 shows the current state of charge and it also doubles as transmitter indicator for your area. In other words, when Receiving, the little indicator will point to USA, Eur or Jpn. At the same time the Second hand will point to H, M or Low signal strength at between 1 and 2. So it’s very simple to see what’s going on at any time with this dial layout. The lower indicator sub-dial is the Mode selector indicator, which moves around to point or indicate your Mode selection, such as Time, Cal, Timer, Chrono, Alarm 1 and 2 and World Time – so again very easy. The digital display 1 on the right will show the selection start point.

By the way when the watch arrives in it’s box it may well have no charge at all, so before anything you need to stick it in the daylight for around 8 hours. Then it’s ready. After you’ve done this you’ll see it’s ticking away with Displays indicating and probably not the right time or date of course, so later that night you need to do a Manual Radio Receive. And this is easy to do.

First you need to set your Home City/Zone. Note you have two digital Displays. Display 1 on the right and the smaller Display 2 on the left. Display 1 is your World Time selection. Display 2 is always your Home City selection.

So to set your Home City/Zone start by pulling the Crown out to Position 1 and turn the Crown either direction to scroll through all the World Times on Display 1. When you get the one you want, leave it showing on Display 1 on the right. (Note when you pulled the Crown out, Display 2 will flash “M”, which means it’s in “Mode” setting ready for display switching). Now the City you selected (your Home City) is still showing in Display 1 (on the right). To move this city to your Home City Display 2 position, press both pushbuttons at the same time. This will transfer/copy the City from Display 1 to Display 2 on the left. You’ll see on my watch here that my Home City is set to London on Display 2 (left), and also on Display 1 which still shows the World Time of London. This display can also show the Month, Date and Day. Or the Time with seconds running.

It’s all pretty easy to do once you’ve managed it once or twice, so you shouldn’t need to continually refer to the instruction booklet.

When traveling it’s also very easy to select a Destination Time Zone. Basically your Home City is on the left Display 2 and the new City or World Time destination City you select is on Display 1. And you simply swap them over more or less as you already did above. So a great and relatively simple travellers watch.

Of course the watch is also a Calculator, Pilots delight, Motorists and Nerds friend with all sorts of calculations possible using the bezel and indexes on and within the dial, hence the text everywhere, though if you never use them, it’s OK as they’re not actually obtrusive. The Hour and Minute hands are quite broad with great luminous infill and have a considerable separation above the dial, so stand out very clearly. The sub-dial indication @12 is the UTC 24hr time and the one @2 indicates 24hr AM/PM, so again good data and well displayed, yet unobtrusive to the main time function. Note that unlike some other models, Citizen this time have ensured that the sub dial surrounds are really thin and don’t interfere with time reading when light levels are low. The main 0-12 markers are broad with great luminous qualities and the watch is extremely easy to read at night. There is also a digital display light operated by the top button which is very clear indeed.

Clean Stainless Steel back shows off sleek case design. Note – well protected knurled Crown

The watch case is extremely well made and surprisingly smooth and I particularly like the bezel with it’s sleek curves down at the edges. It is of course bi-directional being a calculation instrument and not a Divers model, though that said this model has a commendable 200m Water resistance. The central knurled Crown is protected by the case and the buttons are smooth and easy to operate. I also love the back of this model as it’s very plain but in brushed stainless steel and is not designed to be opened by anyone other than Citizen, nor should there be any reason to do so.

Dimensions are not too bad for today at 45 mm wide, though I am glad to see the lug to lug is a neat 49 mm, which means this watch can fit the smaller wrist without overhang, and the depth or height of the case is 15 mm. The IP coated steel is smooth and has a subtle brushed satin finish, not glossy at all. The bracelet supplied is a standard 22 mm lug width and uses standard spring bar fixings, so alternative straps or bracelets can be used easily and as I’ve done already. Another real plus when compared to many of it’s competitors.

Out of the box first impressions are this is a big, solid and heavy watch, yet remove that very heavy bracelet, fit alternatives such as that silicon deployment strap shown here and it’s suddenly not just very much lighter, but seems smaller and fits neater on the wrist.

Well defined dial with great hands to background separation

I’ve included a few images to try and show it in a more realistic light than you see on the Internet, and I’ll take a shot or two at night to show the luminous and display light aspects, though I’ll post the night shots later. The luminous quality is very good indeed and hands and markers still very clear after 6+ hrs total darkness. Added to that the digital display light for both Displays is excellent and very clear indeed. Certainly one of the better night use watches I’ve seen from the big three.

So after all that – I eventually got my Skyhawk and OK sadly, it’s not the old Navihawk and whilst I might have got a more lookalike model such as the Blue Angels (if still available), I’m really happy with this one – in fact I love it . . .

Is there a Downside? – well if honest, it is a bit larger than my old one, which seems inevitable these days – my old Navihawk was around 40 mm diameter against this one at 45 mm and it’s very much heavier, though I’ve fixed the weight issue by changing the steel bracelet for a silicon strap, with the result it’s now actually lighter than both the old one and the new Titanium version, so that was easily solved. I did, however keep the bracelet just in case and if I did sell it on . . . which in this case I’m definitely not going to do, it would have that option.

Anyway the Upside of this model far outweighs any negatives, as this watch is very much updated for today with addition of Radio Control and Eco-Drive and the inclusion of a Crown and only two pushers makes a neater and certainly easier operation, plus the more advanced U600 movement module, are improvements that really do Citizen justice without diminishing their concept.

And of course it’s on my wrist! And one thing that is certain – did I say this already? it will not be sold on, not this time . . . . no way!

Note 1 – Where did I get this one? I bought it HERE – and note they don’t now have stock and the price has increased – it was reduced for 2 days to £299 – and I snagged it – so there! 😉

Note 2 – The Attesa I refer to is a Citizen model I bought in 2009 and was probably the real upgrade model of the original Navi/Skyhawk concept – cleaned up and much more advanced and yet – well click on the Attesa in the Post (the paragraph below the first image above) and it’s article is there and the note at the foot explains all. Interestingly I see the latest Skyhawk has moved the slide rule, bezel data indexes inside the dial. This unfortunately is beginning to look just a little cluttered – unlike my model. It appears Citizen may be going too far though I hope not, but the Promaster Skyhawk PMV65-2272, seems perilously close and nearly £400 plus mailing costs from Japan. However on the plus side I note it has nice short lugs and a standard strap fixing, so it’s not all bad.

But for me, I’m sticking with his one – it’s one of those models that Citizen got right.

Casio – simples!

As usual, I tend every so often to look at Casio, as they are an amazing Brand with very, very popular and simple watches for everyone. And the one thing all their models do – is exactly what it says on the tin! They indicate the time, plus maybe the day or the date – whatever – but they are always practical and very inexpensive.

This one – the Casio MRW-200H-1B2VDF has been around I suppose from maybe 2010/11 and basically hasn’t changed – and why should it?

It is an analogue faced black dial quartz powered watch with little dial clutter, so it’s easy to read the time, the day and the date. Maximum contrast between the numerals, the hands and the date/day window. It also has a centre seconds hand.

It’s an OK size, so almost anyone can wear it and the construction is very practical, being a black resin case and matching strap.
Knocks and scratches are virtually a non event and the plastic lens is tough as it needs to be, whatever you’re doing.

It has a Water Resistance of 100m, so splashing around is not an issue and good enough for most folk and the battery is easily obtained, easy to change and lasts up to maybe 4 years. It’s as light as a feather and after a minute or two you forget it’s there – but it is and it’s handier than an iPhone or Android phone to quickly check the time, day and date – at a glance. Simples!

And the price for this practical and very affordable watch is around £35 in the UK. which today is practically nothing. And I’ve no doubt it will outlast the wearer by many, many years (just swap out the battery every 4 years).

The thing is, they produce dozens of models with very similar looks and styles, so plenty to choose from and they’re all somewhere between £35 and £50 here in the UK.

So, as I say – Casio – simples!

Note – As a watch collector who loves mechanical and automatic watches predominantly, it is amazing when I checked through my display boxes, just how many quartz Casio’s turned up! Maybe because when I used to go on holiday, I often treated myself to another “holiday” Casio, so if it got stolen or lost – no sweat – I would get another one when I got home – Simples!
Though it would annoy me a bit, to realise the guy who pinched my watch, got a damned good one – but fortunately not an expensive one – but hey, that’s life!

Update of Eterna·Matic from 1973

This is an update from a Post I did in 2015, brought about today by my re-organising and relocating my watch storage ideas – and as I saw it, thought I’d check it over. Always worth checking for any errors or incorrect info made at the time, and update on it’s condition and any other images I have, I can add.

Occasionally I visit Antique Fairs, mostly as an accompaniment to my Wife who’s into Art Deco, so I take the opportunity to seek out any Watch sellers that happen to be there.

Eterna-Matic 2002 from 1973 — Eterna·Matic 2002 from 1973

Anyway, trawling around the Fair and in amongst the “house clearance” stuff and quite a few watches that obviously lived their lives in boxes full of old nails, I did come across a guy who actually had some decent stuff. His prices were the sort of prices I understand – he’s a watch guy – say no more! and we got on.

Quite a few decent models there too, from Jaeger LeCoultre to Omega to Rolex and so on, but the one that caught my eye was this lovely super condition Eterna·Matic 2002 from 1973. It simply stood out as one of those very good but understated Brands and this one as good today as the day it was produced. The case is that lovely cushion/tonneau shaped ’70s style and in really good condition with no corrosion or plating loss.

Perfect original dial - not bad after 43 years! — Original dial – as good as it gets.

The excellent mechanical movement is the Calibre 12824 or (ETA 2824) automatic date, which beats along at a very smooth 28,800 a/h frequency. The description “sweep” seconds hand really does apply here.

The serial number is scribed on the movement, as is the Eterna·Matic name, Brevet Swiss (Swiss patented). The movement condition is also excellent, the rotor sweet and smooth and the watch dial is something to be very pleased about. The watch back is screwed stainless steel with an intact near perfect condition rubber gasket seal and engraved case number.

Approximately 38 mm wide (39 mm including the semi-recessed Crown) by 37 mm lug to lug and the wrist shot is self evident – pretty much perfect. The Crown is part shrouded by the neat underside chamfered shaping of the case and a slight indent on the top/side of the case.

The dial is really good – the gold hands and baton markers crisp and clear, the dial’s vertical brushed Gold texture background and wonderfully light contrasting outer index a total delight and all original. Note the Crown – is topped with the 5 protruding balls logo and matches the dial logo. The strap is a 19 mm wide non-original (the old one was done) Condor in a soft flexible Buffalo Calf which matches up very nicely.
Watch dimensions – just about ideal for me or indeed anybody today despite the penchant for large watches, this just fits perfectly.

As good as it gets on the wrist! Makes some modern watches look bland! (2015

The watch functions smoothly, the date change crisp and the date wheel is in perfect condition and it is one very accurate movement, as was intended.

The Eterna-Matic Automatic Cal 12824 - 28,000 beats — The Eterna·Matic Automatic Cal 12824 – 28,000 beats (2015)

Interesting model this as it started off life in 1972 (Eterna have been around sine 1856) and it was with this Eterna·Matic named model that the Company re-introduced itself to the world.
It was a bit of a revelation in the Watch Industry as it was the first watch to wind itself automatically by means of ball bearings – self polishing too, which reduced friction losses considerably and as a result produced a remarkably accurate movement. They even offered a Ladies model with the same set up – and that was something really new.

Eterna·Matic 1973 automatic – (image 2024)

And so here it is in 2024 after 51 years and looking great! – now that has to be quality. And as to value? Well let’s just say that I was VERY pleased at the time I bought it. . . .
This is not the first Eterna·Matic in my collection – and it won’t be the last, I’m sure.

Screw down back & semi-recessed crown (image 2024)

Note –As a brand Eterna today is often forgotten about by the mainstream, which is an oversight in my opinion as their range of models are both technically interesting and varied.

Models such as the Adventic which features the Eterna in-house Calibre 3843 with their Eterna Spherodrive mechanism (ball bearing mounted barrel) or the hand wound Madison big date (one of my favourites), which features an 8 day Calibre 3510 with a serially coupled pair of spring barrels working in tandem to deliver 192 hours of power thanks to that Spherodrive system. This is a hand wound model that only requires to be wound 3 times a month!

So plenty of innovation from Eterna and certainly should always be a consideration if looking for a more individual watch today. I hope to run a Post at some point on the range of models currently available

Note – The original Post is still on the main Posts section, but as I’ve now updated it, I’ll delete it from there. There is a copy of the Post in the Vintage gents section and I’ll update that one with this update as I go along.

Update Genta

Gerald Genta G3268.G Bartolomeo – Alarm (Omega 980 19J movement) back from service and looking good.

This was my first Gerald Genta and after taking it from it’s display resting place (apart from a couple of weeks annually that I wear it) I thought it could do with a bit of a service. So, a month or so ago I sent it away for a complete service and am delighted to say it’s back and is as good as the day I got it.

My Genta Bartolomeo (image updated April 2024)

My model which features the Omega 908 Automatic alarm movement from sometime around 1995, so bang in the middle of Gerald Genta’s best production period – and as I’ve discovered since, this particular model is rather rare. The 980 movement itself appeared first back in 1968, used in Seamaster models and the Memomatic of 1970.

Only a very few of this model have been seen at auctions in the last 15 years and this one changed hands at least once before it got to me. I love it as it shows off the Genta style and was my first introduction to the Brand.

To recap – this a Gerald Genta Bartolomeo Alarm Calendar watch with slate dial and centre rotating disc wheel, gold filled numerals and luminous markers, gold hour, minute and seconds hands, plus the GG logo in gold on a red tipped Alarm pointer, which is on the central disc. This points to the hour and the half hour and enough space is on the index for pretty accurate setting of the Alarm time.

The Alarm function is indicated by a central rotating disk and operated and set using the upper Crown.

The time is set by the main/centre crown @3.

The mechanical Alarm is activated by the upper crown(between 1 & 2) when pulled out one click. With the upper crown pulled out two clicks, it disengages the main crown from the hour and minute hands, which then allows the main crown to set/move the Alarm pointer hand (disc) – in either direction. Pushing in the upper crown, re-engages the main crown to the hour and minute hands, as normal.
The alarm is mechanical and the sound is produced by a small hammer striking a gong attached to the movement. It is what I would call (and Omega said this too) a discrete sound and rather nice in comparison to the modern digital ones. I find it really quite good as not only I can actually hear it (not so with digital alarms as I’m at an age now where I don’t hear certain frequencies) plus it has a bonus of a gentle vibration as the hammer hits the gong.

The watch (although automatic) can also be manually wound using the main crown.

Also of note is the fact this Alarm does not require winding – this is done automatically by the normal auto movement (one winding barrel suffices) and is operational again within an hour of striking, with normal wrist wear.

This is almost the same as the Omega Memomatic which shares the same 980 movement. The difference being the Memomatic has a second disc on the dial which has inscribed minutes, which allows it uniquely to be set precisely to the minute.

The dial layout also features a clearly defined large Date between 3 & 4 o’clock and there is a handy quick set date adjuster, just below the 2 o’clock position on a small raised case mount, in the form of a small pusher.

The bronze coloured bezel is secured with 4 screws. The crystal is Sapphire and slightly domed. The watch case is stainless steel, as is the back with securing screws. On the back is the serial number & model details inscribed plus the brand logo. The Gerard Genta logo is also featured on the red tipped Alarm pointer, which form part of the central slate disc on the dial. (Note – a few Genta models feature bronze cases and it’s sometimes tricky to tell, but I thing this one is steel).

My Gerald Genta still has the original T bar leather strap and the original signed stainless steel double deployment clasp. Case diameter is 40mm ex. crowns. and 13mm thickness.

The value of this watch is certainly higher today than when I bought it at auction and as said, few of this one have appeared for sale. So, I’m really pleased with what was at the time, an impulse buy!

Gerald Genta watches are seen as an iconic brand and this one started off a small personal collection of the brand – though this, as it was my first, is my favourite.

Update (April 2024) – So the watch is looking good, serviced and polished and with a new 2 year guarantee no less, no issues during the service and appears as good as it was when made – I am very pleased.

My Tissot T-Touch

Wearing my old Tissot T-Touch Solar for this week and I’m still impressed by it’s look and functions.

My 2013 Tissot Solar T-Touch. Titanium. (image April 2024)

The technical aspects of this model were pretty much ground breaking at the time. I got this back in 2014 about a year after it came out.

Details of this model specifically can be found on my original Post – here

However, I thought I’d have a look at Tissot, 11 years on and have to say, they really have moved on! Same fundamentals, but really updated to part smart watch to whatever you need it to be. Awesome.

You can check out the direct replacement for my old model here – https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-gb/t1214204705101.html

Colourful strap with this one and a few more functions with phone messages and activities control, but very familiar to me.

Am I tempted?

Well, I have to say yes, but I won’t be getting it as it costs around £1000 and I’m not into activities such as trekking and running and all that stuff, at my age – and as for messages – well – I can simply use my phone, so not really required.

But it looks great and I’m sure it will attract those younger than myself, who like me decided it was just the thing for them at the time.

I note they have done away with the old hat digital window and dates and data all appear on the screen – a la Smart phones – just goes to show that maybe today I’m out of Touch! (get it?)